Effect of Heavy Metals Cu and Pb on Some Growth Characteristics, Proline Content and Lipid Peroxidation in Two Varieties of Mung Bean (Vigna radiate)

Heavy metal contaminations of agricultural fields, due to use of industrial waste water and excessive application of phosphate fertilizers, has become a major problem. Biological stability in soil for long-term, causes these metals accumulate in food chain and thus potentially affect human health. To investigate the effects of copper and lead on growth parameters, lipid per oxidation, peroline content in two cultivars of mung bean, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design. Copper used in three concentrations (0,150, 300 and 400mg/kg) and Pb in four concentration (0, 200, 400, 600mg/kg). After four weeks, plants grown in contaminated soil were collected and shoot height, root length, fresh weight and dry weight of shoot and root; proline content and lipid per oxidation in leaves were measured. The results showed that copper and lead had negative and toxic effect on the mung bean growth features. Generally with increasing concentrations of cu and Pb in soil, growth parameters were decreased. Between the two cultivars (Gohar and Sistan), Sistan was affected more than Gohar. Proline content and lipid peroxidation in treated mung bean were increased. Also Sistan cultivar showed more proline content and lipid per oxidation than Gohar.